Prediction: Real Madrid to win and both teams to score
Odds: 42/41
Bookmaker: 888Sport
Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid will look to rectify their poor away record in La Liga on Sunday as they do battle with Real Betis at the Estadio Benito Villamarín.
The current La Liga champions currently sit fourth in the Spanish top-flight and will hope to get their pursuit of league leaders, Barcelona back on track.
Real Betis
With the visit of Los Blancos coming, Betis have so far been enjoying a positive campaign in 2017/18. The Andalusian outfit currently sit eighth in the league standings with 33 points from 23 games. Quique Setién’s troops are only four points behind fifth-placed, Villareal, so a victory in Sunday’s fixture could go a long way in securing European football for next season. The team have won their last two games with those coming in the form of a 2-1 victory over Villarreal and a 1-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna. If they are to get a result however, they will need to drastically improve their home form ahead of the visit of Zidane’s men. They have only won three out of their last nine games on home soil.
The team’s scoring records however has been one of the main reason for their upsurge in fortunes. Only five other teams in the top-flight of Spanish football have scored more than Real Betis this season.
Team News
Long-term absentee, Zouhair Feddal will be missing for the hosts due to an Achilles injury and looks set to be out until July. Joel Campbell has also been ruled out with a sprained ankle. The Costa Rican is joined on the injury table by Antonio Sanabria who is suffering with a knee injury.
Real Madrid
Despite the pressure heaped on Zidane this season, Real Madrid earned an excellent victory on Wednesday evening in the UEFA Champions League. Going behind against Paris Saint Germain, a brace from Cristiano Ronaldo and a late strike from Marcelo secured the win at the Santiago Bernabeu. That means that despite their disappointing form this season, Los Blancos have only lost one out of their last seven games in all competitions.
On the other hand, their away from has been one of the most disappointing aspects of their season. Their only win in their last six clashes came in the form of a 4-1 hammering of Valencia. As a result, the reigning champions now languish in fourth position in the La Liga, 17 points behind league leaders, Barcelona. Despite that, their all-time form away from the Bernabeu has been excellent. Zidane’s men have only lost four out of their last 42 games away from home.
Team News
The champions all-but have a fully fit squad to choose from for Sunday’s clash. Only defender, Jesús Vallejo is a doubt with a hamstring injury. Although, he could be set to return early next week.
Key Facts to Consider
- Real Betis won the first clash between the two 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu this season
- Real Madrid have won 22 out of the last 43 clashes between the two sides
- Los Blancos have scored 12 goals in their last three visits to the Estadio Benito Villamarín
- Real Betis have only scored on average one goal in their last four games against Real Madrid
- Real Betis have not beat Real Madrid on home soil since 2012
Prediction
Real Madrid should be under no illusions that it will be a tough game on Sunday. The Andalusian’s form should give them a real chance in earning at least a point against the out-of-form champions.
Nevertheless, with Zidane’s men experiencing something of a resurgence, and the hosts’ form against Los Blancos, Real Madrid should earn a hard-fought victory – reaffirming their position in the top four of La Liga.
Prediction: Real Madrid to win and both teams to score
Odds: 42/41
Bookmaker: 888Sport
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